Vladimir Mlynchik, founder of Volts UAE, calls himself a spender but also looks for ways to optimise expenses. Victor Besa / The National
Vladimir Mlynchik, founder of Volts UAE, calls himself a spender but also looks for ways to optimise expenses. Victor Besa / The National
Vladimir Mlynchik, founder of Volts UAE, calls himself a spender but also looks for ways to optimise expenses. Victor Besa / The National
Vladimir Mlynchik, founder of Volts UAE, calls himself a spender but also looks for ways to optimise expenses. Victor Besa / The National

Money & Me: ‘I invest my disposable income in technology companies’


Deepthi Nair
  • English
  • Arabic

Entrepreneur Vladimir Mlynchik started his career working for an energy company before establishing energy storage production company Volts in Russia.

Mr Mlynchik, 35, relocated to the UAE from St Petersburg, when he moved the headquarters of his company to the Emirates at the invitation of an Arab investment company in 2019.

Volts UAE commenced operations in collaboration with Abu Dhabi's Masdar City. By 2023, the company established a showroom in Masdar City and initiated the production of energy storage devices.

“On a global scale, my team and I are building an energy holding company in Abu Dhabi called E2E. I am the founder and a board member of the companies within the holding. This entity manages our assets, and all of our activities are centred around renewable energy,” Mr Mlynchik says.

“We manufacture energy storage systems that accumulate electricity from solar and wind power. As for my role in the holding, I manage assets and create new businesses.”

He currently lives in Abu Dhabi and his educational background includes a degree in electrical engineering and a Master of Business Administration.

Did wealth feature in your childhood? What did you learn from it?

The most significant wealth I had during my childhood was strong family values. Additionally, I come from a family of electrical engineers – my grandfather, father, and mother were all in the field. They taught me a lot, and their experience and knowledge are the true inheritance I received.

My father also ran a business and helped me in the early stages of my career, offering guidance and sharing practical management skills rather than financial support.

How did you first earn?

My first earnings came from a small business I started in my youth. I ordered items from England using a credit card and sold them online. People were willing to pay more for high-quality goods, especially to someone who could handle the complexities of payment and delivery for them.

At the same time, I worked for an energy company, travelling to different sites to perform electrical measurements and various tests. It was complicated but fascinating.

How do you grow your wealth?

I invest all the additional money I earn (except for what I spend on living expenses) in technology companies. In my opinion, it is the most reliable way to grow my wealth.

Vladimir Mlynchik says comparing returns from different investments is his area of expertise. Victor Besa / The National
Vladimir Mlynchik says comparing returns from different investments is his area of expertise. Victor Besa / The National

Are you a spender or a saver?

I’m a spender. I believe it’s much easier to earn a million dollars than to save a million dollars. However, I do have moments of total cost-cutting where I look for ways to optimise expenses, both in my business and personal spending.

I enjoy economics and managing finances. Calculating rates and comparing returns from different investments is my area of expertise.

What has been your best investment?

My best investment was pursuing my MBA. At the time, the cost of the programme was very high for me, but it was worth it. Business education significantly developed me, broadened my horizons, shifted my mindset and provided me with an incredible network of connections.

How do you feel about money?

I don’t stress much about money. I believe it’s important to part with it easily, not to be greedy and to help those around you. In essence, money is just a tool. And if I manage to earn this money, first of all, I must invest it in the development of humanity.

Any financial advice for your younger self?

I would advise my younger self to focus more on understanding how to attract investments for projects. This advice could have helped me avoid certain mistakes, which later cost me significant time and resources to fix.

What luxuries are important to you?

I’m not fond of luxury. For example, I wear Garmin watches to track my heart rate and other health stats because I’m into sports. I don’t need to wear expensive watches.

What I truly enjoy are gadgets and modern technologies. For me, luxury is the ability to invest in developing something new, innovative and exciting.

What are your financial goals?

My goal is to build a sustainable tech company that pays dividends to shareholders annually. In terms of capitalisation, the company should be valued at approximately $100 billion by 2044.

My business partner, our team and I have created a 40-year strategy for our financial goals. The plan contains not only the evolution of our companies but also my role and contributions at the age of 75.

We’ve set a target capitalisation for all our companies, using BP’s $100 billion valuation as a benchmark. We believe that over the next 40 years, we can achieve a similar level of success.

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Henrik Stenson's finishes at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship:

2006 - 2
2007 - 8
2008 - 2
2009 - MC
2010 - 21
2011 - 42
2012 - MC
2013 - 23
2014 - MC
2015 - MC
2016 - 3
2017 - 8

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl

Power: 153hp at 6,000rpm

Torque: 200Nm at 4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Price: Dh99,000

On sale: now

THREE
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Nayla%20Al%20Khaja%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Jefferson%20Hall%2C%20Faten%20Ahmed%2C%20Noura%20Alabed%2C%20Saud%20Alzarooni%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog

Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia

Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins

Favourite dish: Grilled fish

Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJune%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Alnamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMicrofinance%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E16%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFamily%20offices%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cp%3EHigh%20fever%20(40%C2%B0C%2F104%C2%B0F)%3Cbr%3ESevere%20headache%3Cbr%3EPain%20behind%20the%20eyes%3Cbr%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3Cbr%3ENausea%3Cbr%3EVomiting%3Cbr%3ESwollen%20glands%3Cbr%3ERash%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

Price, base / as tested Dh97,600
Engine 1,745cc Milwaukee-Eight v-twin engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 78hp @ 5,250rpm
Torque 145Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.0L / 100km (estimate)

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

THE SPECS

Aston Martin Rapide AMR

Engine: 6.0-litre V12

Transmission: Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic

Power: 595bhp

Torque: 630Nm

Price: Dh999,563

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Keane on …

Liverpool’s Uefa Champions League bid: “They’re great. With the attacking force they have, for me, they’re certainly one of the favourites. You look at the teams left in it - they’re capable of scoring against anybody at any given time. Defensively they’ve been good, so I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t go on and win it.”

Mohamed Salah’s debut campaign at Anfield: “Unbelievable. He’s been phenomenal. You can name the front three, but for him on a personal level, he’s been unreal. He’s been great to watch and hopefully he can continue now until the end of the season - which I’m sure he will, because he’s been in fine form. He’s been incredible this season.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s instant impact at former club LA Galaxy: “Brilliant. It’s been a great start for him and for the club. They were crying out for another big name there. They were lacking that, for the prestige of LA Galaxy. And now they have one of the finest stars. I hope they can go win something this year.”

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo

Power: 435hp at 5,900rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 1,800-5,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Price: from Dh498,542

On sale: now

Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Jurassic%20Park
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESteven%20Spielberg%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sam%20Neill%2C%20Jeff%20Goldblum%20and%20Richard%20Attenborough%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

Updated: January 17, 2025, 6:02 PM`